I've been back in Canada for less than 48 hours and am feeling very overwhelmed! The type of life style lived in a 3rd world country is very different however in many ways the people are richer than we are. There is a general contentedness that is unexplainable. I was lucky to meet with several locals in Guatemala however there was one little fellow I met that particularly touched my heart. His name is Christian Perez and he's only 6 years old. He traveled from several hours away to see Dr. Jean Pablo in Nebaj, Guatemala with his mother, aunt and baby sister. He'd seen the doctor several times and with the advice of a dermatologist, was tested to ensure that the condition he suffered from was indeed alopecia. He'd tried a few treatments but his mother was desperately worried for her son's health and was fearful of him dying, Christian (new to school) began to experience teasing and bullying.

When I'd gotten to Nebaj and spoke with Juan Pablo he'd never heard of alopecia to my dismay. A few days later, while at the work site building a roof for a church, Pedro got a call on his cell phone and it was for me. Alopecia in Guatemala in known as peladera and due to the rare occasion, I was called away from the site to visit with Christian. He'd never met anyone else with alopecia and neither had his mother who was very relieved to know her son was perfectly healthy, just hairless. We spoke about the condition for a little while (translated by the doctor) and I managed to get Christian smiling and hopefully feeling a little better about himself. If nothing else he can go back to school and say he met some weird Gringa without hair and isn't the only one.

After a couple of days, I decided I'd like to help this little guy out and I'm hoping to set something very special up for him after I talk to a few people but in the meantime I'm sending the doctor some very important links about alopecia for him to read up on. The hand of God was incredibly apparent during this trip and there's no denying his presence in our lives. My encounter with Christian was not coincidence and I pray that I can do more for him in the near future.

Apart from my visit with Christian, our group finished putting up the roof and a few of us went on some other visits. I could write a book on all my thoughts and adventures during this mission trip however I doubt I'd hold anyone's attention for that long. I wanted to share my experience with Christian with you though and am hoping there is more good news to come concerning the young boy. May God bless you in everything you do!

Views: 22

Comment by Mary on January 31, 2011 at 4:29pm
YOU ARE AMAZING! Carol, what a wonderful thing to have done. You probably changed that family's future, now that they know (and had such a vivid demonstration) that having alopecia doesn't mean you're sick or dying! Bravo!
Comment by M on January 31, 2011 at 4:55pm
Hey Carol,

Wow, it's so good to hear you had such a positive experience in Guatemala. Are you kidding, I would love to know all about your trip and visit there. Carol, if there is any lttle thing I can do to help, please feel free to ask, I would love to. Christian is gorgeous ! What a wonderful opportunity for you Carol. I would love to do something like this to help.

Most Sincerely
Marie
Comment by Susan P aka DGADBS on February 1, 2011 at 12:56pm
Welcome back Carol! I'm glad to hear you were able to help Christian and his mother understand alopecia. You've touched their hearts and they will always remember meeting you.
Comment by Cheryl, Co-founder on February 1, 2011 at 8:17pm
Amazing Carol, thanks for sharing!
Comment by JeffreySF on February 2, 2011 at 9:34pm
I'm so proud of you Carol.
Way to Go!!!

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